Hello! I’m Laura, cook, photographer, and delicious food enthusiast! I am a wife & homeschooling mom of five kids ages 8 and under which means life for me is always full of love and laughter! In my little corner of the internet you will find recipes that are fast, easy & family-friendly, as well as recipes that take patience, time and love to create. I believe the memories made around cooking and enjoying delicious food are ones that last a lifetime.
My love for being in the kitchen started with baking. Cookies, pies, cakes, you name it I wanted to learn how to bake it the best that I possibly could. I believe life is too short to skip dessert!
On JoyFoodSunshine you’ll find a mixture of real-deal desserts as well as healthy dessert recipes that don’t taste healthy at all. Because if I’m going to eat a sweet treat every night, I like to make healthier options as well as our family’s favorites!
I always try to take care of my family (and myself) by cooking nourishing and delicious meals. However, the more kids we add to our crazy life the less time I feel like spending in the kitchen {Nap or cook…the struggle is real…ZzzZZz}. So I have plenty of easy recipes – like our famous pizza dough and pizza sauce, homemade mac and cheese, chicken chili, etc.
Here are a few of my favorite things in no particular order…
My husband. I mean, look at him. Aww. We got married in August 2007 and have been on an adventure together ever since. He’s the most talented man I’ve ever met. He can do everything, and I mean it. I am 98.77% sure he can actually fly…
My kids! Again, look at them. How could I not? Bethany, age 8, loves reading, riding her bike, and eating anything that’s main ingredient is sugar. Gabe, age 6, is all about knives, guns, and mac ‘n cheese. Naomi, age 3, loves her babies, her mommy, and dancing around in pretty dresses. Mara, age 2 loves shoes and her lovey! And our newest addition Keilah Faith, was born in February 2019 and she loves all of her siblings & her daddy, but loves mommy the most! 😉
My kids are my sunshine. I am mediator when they fight and counselor when they are sad. I’m disciplinarian, cook, storyteller, teacher, and the queen of their make-believe kingdom. I’m replaceable everywhere else, but my kids will only ever have one mommy…and I am thankful it is me.
My Faith. Grace really is amazing. The Gospel
Peanut Butter. No need to elaborate. It ranks up there with my kids and husband. Enough said.
Vitamix. I joke that if my house was burning down and everyone I love was safe I would run back in and save my vitamix! It’s just a joke. But seriously.
Since starting this blog I have fostered a wonderful relationship with the Vitamix team and am now am part of their affiliate blogger program! If you click on any of the links to the Vitamix website from my site you will receive free shipping on your order!
Moving. Not houses. Just being active. Swimming and running are my two favorite ways to get my blood flowing. As a family we’re always outside and love hiking in the nearby mountains.
I started this blog because sometimes we lose ourselves. Sometimes every day becomes the same as the one before. Sometimes in the midst of it all we lose our Joy. We don’t care about Food. And we are desperate for a little Sunshine. I hope you enjoy your visit as I share a little of who I am with a little of whoever you are.
Some of my favorite recipes:
- Peanut Butter Oatmeal Breakfast Bars
- Dairy-Free Chocolate Peanut Butter Ice Cream
- Slow Cooker Chicken Chili
- Black Bean Brownies
- Easy Homemade Pizza Dough and Sauce
- The BEST Chocolate Chip cookies EVER
- Flourless Brownies and Flourless Chocolate Cake
- Cashew Chicken Stir Fry
See my list of baking staples HERE.
And my kitchen must-haves HERE!
I would love to stay connected! You can find @joyfoodsunshine on all social media channels! Or email me at joyfoodsunshine@gmail.com!
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Twitter: @joyfoodsunshine